Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve tour: Wildlife & braai

Van Stadens Bridge, Baviaanskloof Pass, and a braai lunch in the reserve

A full-day guided tour of Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve departing from Port Elizabeth, with stops at Van Stadens Bridge and Patensie before entering the reserve for wildlife viewing, a traditional South African braai lunch, and a walk along the Kouga river. An expert local guide leads the route. Pickup is included, and children from age 3 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve

• Stop at Van Stadens Bridge and Flower Reserve
• Drive west towards Patensie Citrus Farming community
• Enter Baviaanskloof Reserve
• Stop at river stream for refreshments
• Ascend Baviaanskloof Pass towards Bergplaas
• Enjoy traditional South African braai lunch
• Walk along Kouga River observing wildlife
• Stop and admire Kouga Dam

The experience

The day starts with a stop at Van Stadens Bridge on the Old Cape Road, a landmark worth photographing before heading west toward Patensie, a small citrus farming community. From there the route enters Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve proper, where the narrow valley stretches just under 200 kilometers between two mountain ranges: the Baviaanskloof Mountains to the north and the Kouga mountains to the south. The guide stops at one of the river streams for refreshments and then ascends the Baviaanskloof Pass toward Bergplaas.

Lunch is a traditional South African braai (BBQ) at one of the picnic spots in the reserve, followed by a walk along the Kouga river. This is where most of the wildlife viewing happens: buffalo, white rhino, kudu, baboons and bird life move through the reserve, and you'll also stop to admire the Kouga Dam. The whole day runs seven to nine hours, which means an early start from Port Elizabeth and a return in the late afternoon.

Pickup is included from your Port Elizabeth hotel or meeting point. Bottled water and all fees are covered. Bring sun protection and a camera. The tour operates year-round and suits all fitness levels, though it is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

• Pickup from Port Elizabeth.
• expert local guide in English.
• traditional South African braai lunch in the reserve.
• bottled water.
• swimming at river streams.
• stops at Van Stadens Bridge, Patensie, the Kouga Dam and along the Kouga river.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Mar 2027

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (12 to 75 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 20 · max 4 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Zasendle Adventures

Is this one for you?The seven to nine hour commitment means an early start and a late return, so plan this as your main activity for the day and arrange other sightseeing before or after. Children from age 3 travel on the tour, making it workable for families with young kids.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What wildlife can I expect to see in Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve?

Buffalo, white rhino, kudu, baboons and bird life are common in the reserve. The Kouga river walk is where most sightings happen during the day.

How long is the full day, and what time do we return to Port Elizabeth?

The tour runs seven to nine hours total, so you'll leave early morning and return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Is the braai lunch included, and are there vegetarian options?

A traditional South African braai lunch is included in the reserve. Dietary preferences should be mentioned when booking.

Does the tour include a stop at Van Stadens Bridge?

Yes, Van Stadens Bridge on the Old Cape Road is the first stop, where you can photograph this iconic landmark before heading into the reserve.

What is included in the price?

Pickup from your Port Elizabeth location, the expert guide, the braai lunch, bottled water, swimming at the river streams, photography time, and all fees and taxes are included.